JINJU NATIONAL MUSEUM
JINJU, SOUTH KOREA
date 2023
client Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Jinju National Museum
program National Museum of history and culture
surface 15,000m²
status Competition
design team Studio Akkerhuis + ArchiWorkshop
Amata Boucsein, Bradley Fraser, Carlos Mena Porras, Claire Afarian, Damien Charpentier, Giovanni Pancotti, Gounaud Chung, Emmanuel Quarante, Nassima Iles, Omar Khaledi, Zamir Narvaez
The proposal for the Jinju National Museum is nestled within a captivating urban park, known for its long and linear layout. This location holds historical significance as it was once the Jinju Railway Station, leaving behind intriguing remnants of its past. Our project embraces the site’s heritage, establishing a profound connection with its history. Drawing inspiration from the former railway tracks, the museum’s design embodies linearity. This concept is beautifully reflected in the interplay between the building’s linear lines and the seamless integration of the surrounding landscape, blurring the boundaries between exterior and interior spaces.
The integration of the building and the landscape within the Jinju National Museum creates a harmonious and fluid area. The park flows into and onto the structure, forming inviting terraces, patios, and an accessible green roof. By incorporating expansive transparent windows, the building establishes a strong relationship with the park, offering glimpses into the gallery spaces. This turns the park into a public gallery, inviting passersby to enjoy selected views of the exhibitions and engaging the community in the museum experience. Captivating the attention of visitors and locals alike, the grand Buddha projected media tower is strategically positioned, visible from afar.
The architectural design demonstrates a thoughtful approach to scale and integration with the surroundings. With a transitional height, the building features one or two levels, maintaining a human scale and blending harmoniously with the environment. The layout promotes accessibility and communication among visitors. The open welcome centre serves as a pivotal point, connecting the pedestrian road and the park. This central gathering space anchors the various program areas, fostering inclusivity and permeability.
The welcome centre also provides direct access to major spaces within the facility. Visitors can explore exhibition spaces to the south and engage with educational areas to the north. The program is well-organised and efficient, arranged between the building’s strong lines. Punctual openings throughout the museum create a fluid and continuous flow, while double-height spaces enhance connectivity and openness. Vehicle access is concentrated at the south-east corner, ensuring smooth logistics. The loading dock links to the storage area, exhibition spaces, and preservation treatment department. The staff entrance grants access to office spaces located on the first floor.
The surrounding Citizen’s Forest Plaza beautifully complements the design principles of the Jinju National Museum, forming a cohesive and unified area. Aligned with the museum’s linear design, the plaza establishes a strong North-South connection, linking it to the Railroad park in the south and the future park in the north. Reflecting the cultural theme of the district unit plan, the Citizen’s Forest Plaza offers diverse opportunities for engagement and enjoyment. With water features, an open-air cinema, pagoda square, and vegetable gardens, the plaza caters to the public’s varied interests. The park’s landscape extends onto the museum building, incorporating an accessible elevated green roof. This integration blurs the boundaries between nature and architecture, enhancing the overall experience and providing visitors with a unique and harmonious connection to the natural environment.